"Am I really that easy to read?"
"Also..."
"Yes?"
"I want to see you, too."
It had not even been twenty-four hours, but she already wanted to see him. Although they were together every day, even a brief separation made her miss him. Cynthia had once called Kaim "a lonely person," but she chuckled inwardly, thinking that she was usually lonely herself.
"...Really."
"Tomorrow, I'll get to eat your cooking."
"Don't say anything that makes me want to see you. Aren't you already a convicted criminal?"
"Really? I said it on purpose because I wanted to make you feel that way."
"Oh, dear."
Just as Kaim sighed, he heard a voice other than his own.
"Looks like Steven's finished his bath. Time to hang up."
"Yes, go warm yourself up first."
"Yes. Good luck at tomorrow's meeting."
"Right."
"Well..."
"Kaim."
As Kaim tried to end the call, Cynthia stopped him.
"I love you."
"Ah, I love you, too."
Just a few words. Yet those words alone seemed to dissolve the loneliness between them. Their hearts were connected. Realizing that, Shirona felt warmth rise from deep within her chest.
"Good night."
"Good night."
She said that and ended the call.
Cynthia slipped her smartphone into her hoodie pocket and turned her attention to the sea beyond the balcony. Unfortunately, the moon was not full that night, so she could not see the sea, but she could feel the faint breeze and hear the waves.
Vogel, perched on the balcony railing, turned to look at her. Noticing, Cynthia smiled and gently stroked his feathers. Vogel cried out happily at her touch, and Cynthia gazed at him as though looking at something adorable.
"I think I'll sleep well tonight."
It was still too early for bed, but she had heard Kaim's voice. Tomorrow,